“Thanks.” Daniel had been chosen as the group’s spokesperson, it seemed. The others remained silent but alert to everything going on around them and handed over the keys to Isaac. “I would appreciate it if you’d go. Here are the keys.”
Isaac had quickly gained all their trust. There was just something about my alpha friend that made people place their trust in him almost instantly. A sense of calm radiated off him, mixed with confidence and kindness. He was in tune with his instincts and could read the room better than anyone else I ever met. After ensuring I was well taken care of with Jamie, he’d recognized the other omegas needed a strong comfort person and became that for them.
“As for where we’ll stay tonight,” Daniel continued, “If you’re sure we would be of no trouble, we’d love to remain here.”
“That’s wonderful.” Angela beamed. “Let me fix you all something to eat, and then I can show you to your rooms.”
It was great that their cabin was near the rescue. After dealing with the sheriff, they had closed early and had their overnight staff come in to watch over the foxes. Dr. Malcolm followed us as we drove down the road to their cabin. It allowed us all a bit more privacy as we had the examinations and tried shifting back to our human shape. If we had to do that out in the open, I would have felt even more vulnerable. Instead, we were able to be here, surrounded by warmth and the smell of cherry pie and hot cocoa.
“I think we are going to get going.” Jamie stood and helped me off the couch. “We can come by in the morning, but right now, I want to get my mate home.”
“I should probably be leaving too.” Isaac stood from the floor, the other omegas still sitting close together near the fireplace, but looking up at him like lost little foxes, even in human form.
There may have been four young omegas falling in love with my best friend.
“Can you stay?” Andrew spoke for the first time since we shifted. “I think we all would feel safer if you stayed.”
Isaac looked over at Foxy, who nodded. “That’s fine with us. We have the room.”
“Okay.” Isaac sat back down near the others. “I will just call my sister and let her know I won’t be coming home tonight.”
“Thank you,” Andrew whispered, leaning into Daniel’s side.
The omegas would be safe with Isaac; everyone knew he was the biggest green flag there was in an alpha.
“We’ll be going, then. We’ll see you tomorrow.” Jamie held me close to him as we left the cabin. He tucked me under his arm, pressed me to his side.
“Is your cabin far from here?” I buckled my seat belt once we were both settled in the truck. “Do you share it with anyone? A roommate? Family?”
“No, babe.” Jamie pulled out of the driveway and began down the road. “It’s about a five-minute drive from here, and I live all alone, except for my pet turtle.”
“You have a pet turtle?”
“I do. I made my parents get me a wood turtle for my ninth birthday.” A short snort erupted from my mate. “I didn’t know at the time that if they have proper care, they can live past fifty years, so my little Woody is now living the good life at my place and isn’t even middle-aged yet.”
“That is a long commitment,” I teased. “I guess I can trust you to stick around, huh?”
“Babe, you are my fated mate. I’m not going anywhere.”
After a short ride, we pulled up in front of a cozy cabin hidden within the woods, surrounded by large pines that promised privacy and a peaceful living. I could imagine us sitting on the bench swing on the front porch at night, enjoying a cup of tea and listening to the sound of nature’s music.
I love this place already.
“Ready to head in?” Jamie unbuckled his belt and helped me with mine.
“Let’s go. I can’t wait to see the inside.” I exited the truck and ran up to the cabin. A part of me felt like a little kid, excited to see his new home.
Jamie just shook his head at me.
“You’re adorable when you’re excited.” With a smile plastered on his face, he opened the door. “Welcome home.”
The inside of the cabin didn’t disappoint. Large windows in the front that allowed natural light in, but blinds installed to block the outside world if wanted. A large, stone chimney was surrounded by comfortable-looking, cushiony, dark-brown couches, accented with teal throw blankets and pillows. I just knew that it would be soft and wonderful to lie on during a chilly winter night with the fire blazing. In the corner of the room wasa giant glass tank, where I spied Woody. In the other corner was a small area with oversized, colorful beanbag chairs and a furry rug. Bookcases lined the walls, filled with books, board games, and movies. I looked back toward the couches and noticed the television above the stone fireplace. This place looked exactly like the dream home I’d always craved.
“Wanna check out the bedrooms and out back?” Jamie led me down a short hall to the side of the living area. “We have three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite attached to our bedroom.”
“You’re already saying it’s ours, huh?” I opened a door to my left. “What’s in here?”
“Of course it’s ours. You are my mate, everything that is mine also belongs to you now.” Jamie flicked on the light switch on the wall. “This is the guest room, for now anyway. We can figure out another use for it in the future if you wish.”
